Hangzhou (2 Days): Sweet Tooth SOS! Lay Your Best Dessert Recs on Me!

[Lula Schmidt]

Hey, I've heard that taking a taxi in Hangzhou can be quite troublesome? Is it particularly difficult to hail a regular roadside taxi from the curb, or even the ride-hailing apps like Didi and Amap (major taxis apps in China similar to Uber or Lyft) not recommended either?

I'll tell you about it, helping you avoid potential pitfalls!

• Regarding Taxis (the ones you flag down on the side of the road):

  • Caution! Some drivers might charge tourists a high price for their trip without using the meter, or intentionally take a longer route just to get more money. This is most common at train stations or tourist attractions.
    • What to do:
      • Make sure to ask before getting in whether they will use the meter ("do you use the meter? - "Dǎ biǎo ma?")
      • It's best to write your destination in Chinese, or point it out on a map app
      • If something feels off, such as the fare being extremely unreasonable, consider choosing another taxi.

• Regarding Ride-Hailing Apps (Didi, Amap taxi, etc.):

  • Generally, they are much better! Prices are calculated in advance by the app, routes are navigated, everything becomes transparent.
    • However, keep these points in mind:
      • During peak hours (such as rush hour or rainy days), prices may increase, and waiting times may increase.
      • In some busy areas with heavy traffic (such as some streets near West Lake), drivers might find it difficult to navigate.

• Tips & Tricks:

  • Using the subway system in Hangzhou can be quite convenient! The system goes through many scenic spots, keeps clean, and runs punctually, making it a great alternative!
  • Public transportation is okay too, but first-timers may find it slightly difficult to figure out routes.

By the way, do you know any sweet treats worth mentioning? Is there any restaurant with desserts so scrumptious that people can't stop gushing about them? Please share your experience and recommendations with others!

[Dallas Durgan]

It's hard for taxis to get into scenic spots, so you're better off with public transport or shared bikes.

[Terrence Beer]

Getting a taxi to somewhere near the scenic area should be fine, right?

[Lucille Borer]

I find Hangzhou really convenient for cycling and walking.

[Ms. Cecilia Lowe]

The hotel is over ten kilometers from the attraction.

[Ethel Morissette]

Tianmu Li?

[Ms. Alberta Moen]

I'll go look it up.

[Ethel Morissette]

Traffic jams.

[Candace McDermott]

Oh, so maybe it's better to walk past the congested part and then grab a taxi?

[Robyn Monahan]

Go for a taxi! Who wouldn't recommend it? I always take taxis when I'm out. Of course, Didi (ride-hailing) is a bit cheaper than regular cabs. Don't worry, it's fine.

[Howard Legros]

For an 8 AM-ish trip from East Railway Station to the Provincial Children's Hospital in Binjiang, would a taxi or the subway be better? It's not a holiday; I'm planning for Thursday, April 24th.

[Abraham Kris]

The subway and bikes are super convenient. Driving downtown means hitting traffic, especially for tourists heading to the lake area – it's crowded with narrow roads, so a bike might actually be faster.

[Misty Dare]

The West Lake scenic area gets really congested. Buses are recommended for getting into the scenic spot itself since they run frequently. If you're not going right into the West Lake area, the subway is a good option.

[Kristopher Schultz PhD]

But honestly, buses get stuck in traffic too and take longer than you'd think. When you're in a rush, it's frustrating. I'd rather hop off and bike part of the way, especially when it's super crowded with people.

[Kelley Balistreri]

Totally took the advice! Checked the navigation before heading out yesterday and definitely went with the subway.

[Glenn Ryan PhD]

In Hangzhou, taking a taxi is just incredibly convenient.

[Marcos Goodwin]

Isn't Hangzhou's subway system pretty well-developed?